SIMSON as a middle name

[Macharskin]

Mary SHAW (c1799), Jane TURNBALL (c 1832), Harriet McTAGGART (c 1837), Margaret GRIFFIN (c 1834), Mary AULD (c 1836), Mary STEWART (c 1836), Sarah DONNAN (b 1846), Catherine McCORMICK (c 1847), and Grace STEWART (c1849), were given Simson as their middle name.

Does anyone know of a reason for them sharing that particular name?

According to IGI they all have their father's surname.

M.

[Necromancer]

twill be a maiden name from an earlier generation - tho you will have to search up both sides of the family ....

[Ann Baker]

Hi

As well as being a maiden name it could also be the name of another relative or a friend who was close to the family. It is also possible that it could have been theuir father's employers name.

I would tho check the maiden name link first.

Ann

[Macharskin]

Hi Ann,

I have long wondered about the possibility of the employer connection. All the listed people were born on the Machars in and around the town of Wigtown where an eminent Simson family lived.

Why might the employer's name be taken? Would it have been out of respect, acknowledgment of patronage - or charity of some sort?

M.

[Ann Baker]

Hi M

Usually it was out of respect or patronage unless there was a connection through an illegitimate child but given the number of children involved I would rule that one out.

if there was an eminent family with that name and the family worked for them, I would think that's the connection

Ann

[tilter]

Hi M,

        I notice you mention Margaret Griffin (c 1834) is this part of your family?.Margaret was my Gt grandfathers John Simson Griffin's mother. my grand mother being Maggie Irving nee Griffin.

                       Cheers Jim.

[Macharskin]

Hi Jim,

We are connected. John Simson Griffin and Catherine (Kelly) were my grandparents and Margaret Simson Griffin my great grandmother.

Be good to compare notes. Could you pm me?

Regards, M.